Behind the Collection: Joe Colombo's Vision of the Future

Some pieces of furniture don't just reflect their time—they redefine it. Joe Colombo's Model 4801 chair for Kartell is one of those rare designs.

When Colombo designed the 4801 in the mid-1960s, he wasn't interested in following trends. He was imagining how people would live in the future. The result is a chair that looks as modern today as it did more than sixty years ago.

What makes this chair truly remarkable is its construction. It consists of only three curved plywood elements that interlock without screws, bolts, or glue. It is a brilliant example of how simplicity and innovation can come together in a single object. The chair demonstrates Colombo's ability to rethink furniture from the ground up, creating something both functional and sculptural.

When I discovered this chair, I immediately felt it belonged in the Baan Collection. Not simply because it is an iconic design, but because it perfectly represents what I look for when selecting pieces. I am drawn to objects that challenge convention, tell a story, and still feel relevant decades after they were created. To me, great design should evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and bring character to a space.

Every piece in the Baan Collection is carefully chosen. I don't buy furniture because it is fashionable or because it carries a famous name. I select objects that have integrity—designs that have stood the test of time through their originality, craftsmanship, and vision. I believe that when you surround yourself with exceptional design, you are not simply furnishing a home; you are living with a piece of history.

Finding original examples of the Model 4801 has become increasingly difficult. Many have found their way into private collections, while others are represented in museums around the world. Their rarity, combined with Colombo's enduring influence on modern design, has made authentic early editions highly sought after by collectors.

For me, collecting vintage design has never been about following trends. It is about preserving remarkable objects and ensuring they continue to be appreciated by future generations. The Model 4801 embodies everything that makes Space Age design so compelling: innovation, optimism, sculptural beauty, and timeless functionality.

That is the philosophy behind Baan Collection. Every object is selected not only for what it is, but for the story it tells and the lasting value it brings to a home.